7 Unique Car Photography Angles: Up Your Game Now!
You are taking pictures and you no longer know from which angle to photograph the car.
That can happen to anyone, that’s why I’m here to help you. To give the answer immediately: The most beautiful car photography angle is the front three-quarter angle, where you show 75% of the front.
I’ll show you 6 other unique angles that I’ve gained from years of experience!
What is the best car photography angle?
So I said that the angle from which you photograph a car has a lot of influence on the result and especially the emotion you want to convey. By using different angles when I photograph, I notice that I have to be very conscious about this.
Well, there is not always one best angle from which to photograph a car, it has a lot to do with the car. For example, you can photograph a sports car with a fast and aggressive look from below, the low angle.
If you have a classic Porsche, the front-angle may be a better option. So take a good look at the car, from what perspective it is designed, for which target group, and based on this you can make a choice.
If you use a polarizing filter, the angle greatly affects the results. You might need to use different techniques for certain angles, it’s up to you.
It’s also essential to know the best settings when taking photos of a car, you should know my secret ways to always get great results.
I’m going to tell you the first car photography angle right away!
1. Front three-quarter angle
The first essential angle that you should not forget in a photo shoot is the front three-quarter angle. This angle shows the lines of the car beautifully and you will be amazed at the result, especially with the right lighting.
If you shoot this angle you can use both a telephoto and wide-angle lens. I personally like to use a wider angle lens, like the 35mm, to show more of the background and you will get the feeling like you were there.
Where to position yourself?
This angle shows the front end, hood, and wheels of the car from a somewhat elevated vantage point.
This perspective is frequently used to highlight the car’s appearance and design. A three-quarter angle is so named because it reveals around three-quarters of the car front.
Take a little distance from the car, depending on the lens you are using. When you are in the right place, it is important that the rim faces the camera. This way you make optimal use of this angle.
2. Rear three-quarter angle
Second, we have a similar angle to the first, which is the rear three-quarter angle. With the right lighting where the sun falls just right, this angle can show off the lines of the car even better.
You can also show the rims of the car here, which is of course an important feature of any car that you will photograph.
I like to use a telephoto lens for this angle, like a 70mm or above focal length, to really get attention on the important aspects of the car.
Where to position yourself?
This angle shows the back end, trunk, and wheels of the car from a somewhat elevated perspective.
This perspective is frequently used to highlight the vehicle’s appearance and design.
A three-quarter angle is so named because it reveals around three-quarters of the vehicle’s rear.
Again you move a little distance from the car and position yourself to the right or left behind the car. Make sure the rim is facing the camera. This is the way to use this angle.
3. Front close-up
I often also want to take some detail shots during a photo shoot, after all, the details are the most important. The way to do this is with the front close-up angle. This way you can properly capture the logo, the splitter, and the grill.
This is one of my favorite angles for car photography, by the way, make sure you’re not too close or you’ll see yourself in the reflection!
Where to position yourself?
This viewpoint provides a detailed picture of the front of the car, highlighting features like the grille, headlights, and logo. This perspective is frequently used to highlight the vehicle’s unique elements and characteristics.
The camera is placed close to the car, enabling a close-up view of the front end, hence the name “close-up.”
4. rear close-up
Now you can of course also take a close-up of the rear, this time of the diffuser, exhaust, and the width of the car. Besides the front close-up, this is also one of my favorite angles. You can highlight every detail and that is truly unique!
This angle is also essential in any photo shoot because you can have a lot of shots with the environment but if you forget the details, it’s a real shame.
Everyone who owns a car pays attention to the details, cause details matter.
Where to position yourself?
This position provides a detailed picture of the vehicle’s back, highlighting components like the bumper, exhaust, and taillights.
This perspective is often used to highlight the vehicle’s fine elements and characteristics.
The camera is placed close to the car, providing a close-up picture of the back end, hence the name “close-up.”
5. Low Angle
For the fifth angle, I want to show you the low angle. This is an angle where you position the camera lower than the lights to show the aggressiveness. Whenever I have a sports car in front of the camera, this is my go-to angle.
I always prefer a wide-angle lens, such as a 24mm, so that you can also observe a lot of the environment. It is important to steer the wheel correctly so that you can see the rim, this makes the car even more aggressive.
While shooting rolling shots this is the angle you want to use. Get as close to the ground as possible!
Where to position yourself?
This angle shows the car from a low angle as if one were standing on the ground and looking up at it. This perspective is frequently used to give the vehicle an impression of force and dynamism.
Because of the low height of the camera in relation to the vehicle, which gives the spectator the impression that they are gazing up at the car from below, it is known as a low angle.
6. Front angle
Of course, I can’t forget the most important angle, namely the front angle. This is an angle where you stand exactly in front of the car. It can be tricky sometimes because you have to stand exactly in the middle.
Symmetry is always the priority to this angle, by using this the photo can appear very ‘clean’ and people want to hang that on the wall. All in all, this is really one of my favorite car photography angles.
This angle is essential if you want to photograph your car for sale, it shows a good image of the car!
Where to position yourself?
At this angle you take a distance from the car, depending on the lens you use, this can be 3-5 meters. I always look at the interior mirror, if it is lined up with the rear seats, then I am exactly in the middle.
It is important that the wheels are also straight, I have had times when this was not the case and then you can just see the tire. Not the prettiest thing there is.
If you do all this correctly, you will have taken the perfect front-angle photo.
7. Rear angle
Finally, I give you the rear-angle as a gift, after all, it cannot be forgotten. It’s fairly self-explanatory, you stand behind the car and take a photo. I always make sure there is a little more space above the car.
This way you don’t just have a car in the picture. By getting a little lower to the ground you can create more aggression, it all depends on what you want.
Where to position yourself?
You must be exactly in the middle, so you have a symmetry that many people like. By looking at the interior mirror it is quite easy to position yourself exactly in the middle.
This time too, make sure that the wheels are straight and as a final tip, I will tell you to turn on the lights.
The photo is a lot more dynamic when you turn on the rear lights, this is certainly my preference when photographing cars.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read this article, you know all my favorite car photography angles. It is important to consider each angle carefully, you evoke different emotions at each angle.
Try experimenting with every angle and you will soon find out which car photography angle you like the most.
Trying new angles and developing a new style is the most important thing in 2024, according to renowned photographer Easton Changso don’t be limited by my insights!
If you’ve learned something new, make sure to share this article with fellow photographers. Let’s help each other out.
Don’t forget to enjoy the shooting experience as a beginner, there’s nothing to worry about and hopefully, you will remember me in a few years when you’re a professional car photographer!
Who is Sebastiaan?
Hi! I am Sebastiaan, the writer of this blog. With years of experience as a professional photographer, I want to share my expertise with you. From recommending cameras and lenses to giving tips that make a world of difference, that is what I love to do most.